Lots of Czechs around Shiner for sure, but Kosmos Spoetzl was German, born in Bavaria where he also trained as a brewmaster. The earliest beers made by the Spoetzl Brewery were German-style starkbiers, much like the 100th Anniversary Commemorator.

Speaking of good beer, we've got our tickets booked to go back to the Starkbierfest in Munich in late March. You and Mags should come, THAT is some good strong beer! I'd love to try the Commemmorator, though. Shiner never disappoints me.

I doubt anyone watching this far down in the posts, but FYI Shiner 100 is out. Actually it's been on store shelves in SA for 3 or 4 days now. Overall a great beer. I plan on drinking the heck outta it for the next 11 months at least.